Balanced Introduction to Computer Science, A - Softcover

Reed, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0132166755 ISBN 13: 9780132166751

Publisher: Pearson, 2010

Synopsis

A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science, 3/e is ideal for Introduction to Computing and the Web courses in departments of Math and Computer Science.

This thoughtfully written text uses the Internet as a central theme, studying its history, technology, and current use. Experimental problems use Web-based tools, enabling students to learn programming fundamentals by developing their own interactive Web pages with HTML and JavaScript. Integrating breadth-based and depth-based chapters, Reed covers a broad range of topics balanced with programming depth in a hands-on, tutorial style.

About this title

From the Back Cover

A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science represents a unique and innovative approach to introductory computer science courses. In contrast with traditional texts that focus almost exclusively on either breadth (a survey of computing concepts) or depth (programming and problem solving), this text provides a balanced view of computing. Breadth chapters cover concepts and issues in computing that are most relevant to the beginning student, including computer terminology, the Internet and Web. algorithms and software. and technology's impact on society. Mixed among these topics are depth chapters that introduce fundamental programming concepts anti skills with hands-on tutorials. Using HTML and the programming language JavaScript. students develop problem-solving skills as they design and implement interactive Web pages.

Breadth Chapters

• Breadth-based chapters focus on topics that are most relevant to a beginning student, and are written in an engaging, easy-to-read style.
• Illustrations, photographs; and Web-based Visualization tools are used extensively to illuminate key points.
• Each chapter ends with a Chapter Summary and Review Questions that encourage reflection and the integration of content from that chapter.

Depth Chapters

• Depth-based chapters are presented as hands-on tutorials, recognizing that the only way to learn programming and problem solving is to actually do it.
• Tutorial exercises follow an incremental approach allowing students to master programming concepts by first studying and modifying existing programs before designing and implementing new programs that solve interesting problems.
• Program design and debugging advice is provided in special sections called Designer Secrets and Common Errors to Avoid.
• Each chapter includes a Chapter Summary that identifies key concepts, and Supplemental Material and Exercises to facilitate further study.

About the Author

David Reed is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in computer science from Duke University in 1992, and subsequently taught and conducted research at Duke University and Dickinson College before joining the Creighton faculty in 2000. His primary interests are in artificial intelligence, programming languages, and computer science education, where he has published extensively on topics such as apprentice-based learning, Web-based programming, and innovative instructional methods in introductory computer science. He is a member of the Liberal Arts Computer Science Consortium and the Chief Reader for the Advanced Placement® Computer Science Exam since 2004.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0132166755
• ISBN 13: 9780132166751
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 432